Two days after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, a Record-Journal editorial noted time was now divided between the world before the events of that day and the world since. “The atrocity fills our minds, leaving little room for anything else,” it stated. The immediacy of the events of that day has diminished, but our memory should not.
The questions we asked at the time remain relevant, as important as ever. Before the attacks, we were the “fortress of democracy, the bulwark of freedom,” stated the editorial, which ran again in this space in its entirety a year ago.
“Since the attack, we can only question: will we continue to be the fortress, the bulwark?” The editorial of Sept. 13, 2001 also wondered if the attacks were the “penalty and price” of freedom, of democracy. “Can we construct a new immunity and remain still the fortress and bulwark?” it asked. “Will the cost of pushing away the horror cost us that freedom and democracy to which we have pledged our allegiance?”
How we try to answer such questions is as relevant today as it was just after the attacks. It’s always worth remembering that democracy and freedom are not to be taken for granted.
For those reasons and others, including the desire to honor those who perished, it remains important to remember that day, now 22 years in the past. Local events provide an opportunity to do so.
In Meriden on Monday morning outside City Hall, a memorial will include an American flag that flew over the ruins of the World Trade Center. Speakers are to include city Mayor Kevin Scarpati, City Manager Tim Coon and City Councilor Bob Williams.
In Southington, the 9/11 Memorial in Planstville will be the site of a patriotic service, set for 8:46 a.m.
In Wallingford, a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held in front of Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. The program includes speakers from Lyman Hall and Sheehan high schools. Other memorials will take place across the nation.
It’s important to remember, and to hold memorial services. The events of that day are not to be forgotten, nor are the questions they raised about our future.